UTIs... how to prevent them and can they be cured naturally

[whimaway.livejournal.com]

So I noticed yesterday that I was developing UTI symptoms. It was painful to urinate, I felt like I had to pee constantly, and I couldn't fully empty my bladder. The worst part was that it kept me up at night because my urethra constantly felt painful and irritated even when I wasn't going to the bathroom. I'm pretty sure it happened after I had sex with my bf wednesday night. I was googling around and I realized you were supposed to pee after you have sex to prevent UTIs. Duh! I've only had one UTI before and I'm pretty sure that one was caused by sex too. Anyways are they any other things I should be doing to prevent getting UTIs? And as far as getting rid of this UTI, I know I might have to go get some antibiotics, but since it's only been a day or so are there any home remedies that might work? Thanks in advance!

Oh and on a sidenote, is there anyway to convince my bf that the nuvaring is safe and really does prevent pregnancy? I've told him it's like I'm on the pill because of the hormones and it's 99% effective, but he's still worried, even though he's been withdrawing before ejaculating.

EDIT: So apparently UTIs can't be cured naturally. I just thought they could from stuff I read online.

Piercing+coconut oil?

[may-third.livejournal.com]

Hi again Vag Pag!

I came to you all the other day about being walked in on...while the embarrassment has somewhat passed, I still can't believe it happened. But moving on--and mods feel free to delete--I know a lot of people here use coconut oil as moisturizer, lube, etc, but has anyone ever used it while caring for genital/navel/nipple piercings? I'm getting my belly button pierced today and since I know coconut oil has anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties, I was wondering if it might be ok to use. It's been really good on scars for me in the past and is said to help heal cuts and bruises but I've never really heard any piercing talk with it, just tea tree oil for piercings...My friend is also thinking of getting a genital piercing in the near future so I thought I would ask for them, too. Any thoughts/personal experiences with this? This is my first body piercing besides my earlobes so I'm kind of nervous about the time it will take to heal and infections and stuff...Thanks in advance!